about 1200 service members stationed at the air base turned transit center for troops in afghanistan got a taste of home with a holiday cookout yesterday complete with hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill. on board overseas, protecting our independence the troops also enjoyed games, live music, and, of course, fireworks, all to celebrate the fourth. and a little bit of what is that salsa? >> i don't know. whatever it is, it doesn't matter. it's fun. >> i'm veronica de la cruz. this is "early today," just your first stop of the day, today, on your nbc station. >>> holiday cleanup. strong storms rolled through our region, knocked out power, took down trees, and even caused evacuations. we'll show you the damage left behind. >> first let's take a live look outside right now. at this hour, we have 73 degrees. seems calm out there, but it is warm and humid on this july 4th. good morning. welcome to "news 4 today." i'm joe krebs. >> and i'm karen gilchrist. it is monday, the 4th of july. even yang has the day off. more than 10,000 people waking up without power. more than 10,000 dominion p